Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Mandatory At New LA Homes

LOS ANGELES, CA — The Los Angeles City Council voted Wednesday to mandate electric vehicle charging stations be built on new private property starting in 2020, and it increased the percentage of parking lots required to have them.

"Climate change is one of the greatest existential threats facing our world, and we must do everything we can locally to combat this crisis, including incentivizing electric vehicle usage," said Councilman Bob Blumenfield, who introduced the changes. "My goal is that everywhere you go, whether it's a public or private destination, you can have easy access to charging stations throughout Los Angeles."

It was previously recommended that 5% of all parking spots have an EV charger and 20% of the infrastructure needed to quickly install chargers in the future. Blumenfield amended the ordinance to increase the requirement to 10% and 30%, respectively. At least one EV station would be required for all new construction.

The requirements will take effect in early 2020 on all new developments.

City News Service